Overweight Russians are alleged to be negatively impacting the country's economy, according to statements from the State Duma.
Russia grapples with a high obesity rate, affecting the nation's economy significantly. This was underscored by State Duma Deputy Irina Filatova, who reported that over 60% of Russian adults carry excess weight.
"Currently, more than 60% of adults in Russia have excess body weight. This presents a significant challenge to our country's demographics and economy," Filatova said, as reported by the "National News Service." She added that excess weight not only impacts lifespan but also the quality of life and reproductive capabilities of Russians. The mortality rate among patients with diabetes and related diseases reaches 52%.
Russia ranks among eight countries where over half of the global population with excess weight resides. Alongside Russia, these nations include China, India, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt. According to 2021 data, among Russian women, 67% have obesity or excess weight, and among men, it's 62%. Experts predict that this figure will reach 73% by 2050. By 2035, the global economic loss from weight-related issues is projected to be 2.9% of global GDP, equivalent to $4 trillion. In Russia, expenses related to treating obesity and its consequences exceeded $3.3 billion in 2019 alone.
The state of health in Russia is a cause for concern, with cardiovascular diseases being the principal cause of death. Obesity and related risk factors such as raised blood pressure and cholesterol are significant contributors to these diseases. The Russian healthcare expenditure is relatively low at 5.32% of GDP, which may influence the capacity to address obesity-related health issues.
Obesity has significant economic impacts, including increased healthcare costs due to obesity-related diseases and decreased productivity. In Russia, the high prevalence of obesity coupled with cardiovascular diseases implies a considerable economic burden, though detailed quantified data is not provided.
Russia isn't the only country facing this challenge. The United States, for instance, has one of the highest adult obesity rates globally. On the contrary, India has one of the lowest adult obesity rates globally at 3.9%. China's obesity rates are increasing, reflecting lifestyle transitions with economic growth.
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In light of the high obesity rate in Russia, more focus on science, health-and-wellness, nutrition, and weight-management is needed to address this growing concern and mitigate its economic impacts. The high prevalence of obesity not only poses a risk to the health and wellbeing of Russians but also threatens to further strain the nation's economy.
